Phillip Schofield denies claims of ‘toxic’ culture on This Morning

theguardian.com:

Former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield has hit back at critics, claiming there was “no toxicity” on the ITV show and appearing to blame his departure on a “handful of people with a grudge”.

The presenter’s comments left ITV on Friday and was dropped by his talent agency as he admitted to an affair with a younger male colleague – which he described as “unwise, but not illegal” – while married.

Over the weekend, former This Morning resident doctor Dr Ranj Singh said the show had a “toxic” culture and that he had raised concerns about bullying and discrimination two years ago. He said he had felt as if he was “managed out” for whistleblowing and that the show’s problems went “far beyond” Schofield.

In a statement released on Instagram minutes before Monday’s show went on air, Schofield, 61, said: “Now I no longer work on This Morning I am free to say this. I hope you have noticed that it’s the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice.

“This Morning is the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there, there was no toxicity.”

He added: “You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like. But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it is a family of wonderful, talented, kind, hard-working people.”

Dermot O’Leary, who has been presenting the show with Alison Hammond since Schofield stepped down on 20 May, acknowledged the fallout.

He said: “We all know we happen to be in the news at the moment and of course we appreciate that but just from both of us, the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you.”

Hammond